Can you answer Vena Cava’s question about Diabetes?:

THey don’t have any insulin. So I was curious if its even physically possible for them to ever become hypoglycemic. If so in what instances?

Managing Hypoglycemia

Human tendency is always to have doubts and suspicion about one thing or the other. Regarding diabetes people have lots of doubts and suspicion, and these doubts generate different myths. It is necessary to understand what are those myths and why one should not believe in them. This article is all about those myths and how incorrect and irrelevant are they. Read it to believe it.

Diabetes simply can be defined as a diesease in which a body is unable to produce or utilize insulin to convert sugar, starch, etc., into energy.

Diabetes Myth no. 1:

A person suffering from diabetes should never exercise

This is not a sin but a crime to spread such rumors. In fact, it is always advised to a diabetic patient to do mild exercise regularly, this will help them to recover completely and even fast. The complications caused to different Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is controlled through doing proper exercises. However, patient should also remember that this has to be started slowly. That is to say patient should do brisk walk, simple exercise, etc., and gradually start some other exercises, but that too should not be dangerous or risky. It is also found that patient who complains of kidney problems or any kind of eye infection should restrict from exercise, but starts once again when these problems are over.

Diabetes Myth no. 2:

Diabetes is contagious.

This again is a crime, as this not only creates problem to the patient but also to the people around him. In fact this rumor makes many diabetic patients unwilling to socialize with normal people, as they feel inferior. Hence, one should know it very clearly that diabetes is not at all contagious and does not spread from one person to another by sleeping, eating, sitting together, etc. Diabetes is a hereditary disaese as there are some genetic causes for it. Daibetes is also very commom among fat people and people who ignores exercise like anything. But whatever may be the cause of diabetes, it is still not communicable or contagious.

Diabetes Myth no. 3:

Daibetes causes cough and cold

This is completely incorrect. Diabetes neither is communicable nor spread cough and cold.

Diabetes Myth no 4:

Diabetes may cause brain hemorrhage

Now this is also a very wrong thought, as it creates nothing but much more stress and confusion among the patients. When a diabetic patient keeps fasts, he may complain of a severe headache and extreme weakness. All these symptoms let people to assume that it is due and diabetes which gradually will result in brain hemorrhage. However, it is not at all correct and should not be believed. It is also found that children suffering from diabetes may suffer severe headache when they fast, and thus may effect their brain slightly, still it will never cause a brain hemorrhage.

Diabetes Myth no 5:

Say no to fruits

It is not correct. People suffering from disease, in fact should take various fruits, which are healthy. However, all fruits may not sound healthy, so patient should consult the doctor and dietician to know what all is suitable for a diabetic patient.

Diabetes Myth no 6:

Diabetic patient should never touch sweet and sugar content-food

It is a very common and wrong notion that a diabetic patient should strictly avoid sweets and other sugar containing foods. It is true that they should not take excess sweets, sugar, etc. However, a balanced diet including a sweet dessert or sweets is always acceptable. It is also said that if a diabetic patient do exercise, take balanced diet food, they can take one sugar candy every night. Here one should also remember that it is not his excess eating of sugar candies that caused diabetes, but because of his unhealthy practices, also lack of exercises and genetic reasons that cause diabetes.



Thanks to Dr John for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

What Causes Diabetes

Can you answer Viviana C’s question about Diabetes?:

I really need to know if it is possible for an 8 year old hypoglycemic dog to go blind in one week (with or without insulin shots).

Diabetes Risk Factors

Don’t feel that you are alone if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes. Each year thousands of people are diagnosed with this disease while millions live with it daily. Understandably it is a frightening diagnosis and trying to figure out what you need to do to keep your blood sugar under control can be confusing. Here are a few diabetes tips to help you get started.

Always take your medications on time - Check with your doctor about when the best time to take your medications is. They may recommend that you to take your pills before you eat; if it is recommended that you go on insulin they may recommend that you take it up to a half an hour before you eat.

Stick to a schedule - As with medications you want to try and eat at the same times every day. By adhering to a schedule you have a better chance of maintaining an even blood sugar level. Avoid skipping meals or snacks since this will upset your sugar levels. Another diabetes tip is to eat smaller meals but eat more frequently.

Control your portions - You will be successful at managing your blood sugar levels if you try to eat the same amount of food every day. You risk fluctuating levels if you eat a large meal on one day and a small meal the next day.

Exercise - It is very important to exercise daily. Low impact exercises are best such as swimming or walking. Maintaining good circulation, especially in your arms and legs, is vital. Avoid exercises such as weight lifting unless you have the permission of your physician. Heavy lifting or pushing can be dangerous as it can raise your blood sugar and your blood pressure.

Keep track of symptoms - Be aware of the symptoms that indicate your blood sugar is too high or too low. Talk with your family and co-workers so they can assist you if you find yourself in trouble.

·        Symptoms of hyperglycemia

• Excessive hunger and/or thirst

• Weight loss

• Excessive urination

If you experience these symptoms of high blood sugar, you need to talk to your doctor.

·        Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):

• Cool, clammy skin

• Hunger

• Numbness in your mouth

• Fluttering in your chest

• Feeling faint

If you feel any of these symptoms of low blood sugar, you need to raise your levels… now. Carry hard candy with you for instances such as these or drink some orange juice or some soda. Follow that with cheese or a peanut butter sandwich… something that is protein based that will take longer to digest.

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play The Diabetes Diet Game And Win. With this proven system you to can lower your blood sugar level and retake control of your health and your life.Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit Your Diabetes Cure. http://www.yourdiabetescure.com/Diabetes_Tips/Diabetes_Tips.html



Thanks to Julia Hanf for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Information On Type 1 Diabetes

Can you answer Vena Cava’s question about Diabetes?:

THe sugar raises your blood sugars up, so you have hyperglycemia which should give your body ENERGY instead of making you tired.
SO why are you tired?
ALso, I read that illness is stressful for a diabetic and if also makes u hyperglycemic. So they should take insulin, but why should they also eat? It said in the book, if you are sick try to eat and take your insulin. That doesnt make sense if they’re hyperglycemic
please no ghetto s****

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